By Miguel Rivera

As BoxingScene.com recently reported, Puerto Rican lightweight star Felix Verdejo (23-0, 15 KOs) would train with veteran coach Abel Sanchez in Big Bear, California.

After a few lackluster performances, there has been a lot of pressure on Verdejo to train outside of Puerto Rico to avoid the countless distractions. Verdejo's manager and trainer, Ricky Marquez, approves of the move.

Sanchez is currently best known as the head trainer of middleweight king Gennady Golovkin. He also works with cruiserweight champion Murat Gasiev, Denis Shafikov, Alex Saucedo and several other boxers.

Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum is also in favor of the idea. Last December, Arum sent heavyweight Andy Ruiz to train with Sanchez in preparation for a world title fight with Joseph Parker. Ruiz greatly improved his physical form and lost a close decision to Parker.

Sanchez has spoken with both Marquez and Arum, and he believes that a lot can be done to help Verdejo reach his full potential.

"Together we can do a lot of things," Sanchez said to Carlos Gonzalez. "Once we talk, we will sit down together to outline a plan of work. I have spoken to Marquez and we are waiting for the details to be confirmed to start working."

Arum has already stated that there are ongoing negotiations to make a fight with WBO champion Terry Flanagan. Verdejo is the mandatory challenger to Flanagan's title.

"Felix is ??a very talented guy and I believe that we can help him reach the level that he needs to be at for a world title fight," Sanchez said. 

Sanchez also assures that there won't be any conflicts or training issues, as the veteran coach will be preparing Golovkin for a scheduled showdown with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez on September 16th.

"We will make different training schedules. In the gym we have several boxers who train at different times during the day. There will be no conflicts," said Sanchez.